While getting excited about all the destinations you want to see it’s easy to forget all the logistics of how you will get to the ship on the first day. If you are fortunate enough to live within driving distance of the port, there is not much to consider.

Most cruise terminals have parking, either on site or close by. Parking prices vary; therefore check with the port you will be departing to make arrangements. If staying at a nearby hotel the night before, the hotel may offer parking packages, and shuttles to and from the port for cruise ship passengers.

If you are flying into your departure port, take into account the time it will take to collect your luggage and get to the cruise terminal. I advise you check this information first. Before you book your flights, find out how long it takes to get from the airport to the ship. For example, ships leaving out of Galveston, Texas require at least an hour’s drive from Houston airport.  And when joining a ship in Civitavecchia, Italy you need to fly into Rome which is about one hour away from the cruise terminal or two hours by train.

Note: When flying internationally, take into account the time spent getting through customs and immigration.

You may also need to consider the time zones you might be flying against. It is virtually impossible to fly west to east across more than 3 time zones and make a ship on the same day before it sails, unless it sails late. Most ships depart the port around 5pm, meaning you have to be onboard by 4pm at the very latest.

Most cruise lines offer a fly/cruise or an air/sea package, which are different names for the same thing. Basically, they are “all inclusive” packages for the cruise and airfares. All inclusive packages usually include transfers between the airport and the ship. Check the ticketing conditions as the airfare usually come with some restrictions such as not letting you chose your airline or make any kind of changes or cancellations without a fee. You may also lose the option to earn frequent flier miles.

The flights will generally be arranged for same day arrival and departure, meaning you will arrive on the same day as the cruise date and go straight to the ship. And for your return trip home, your flight will be in the afternoon the same day you debark the ship. This also means a hotel will not be required. Remember, the all inclusive packages usually include an airport greeting and transfers between the airport and the ship, including luggage service.

If you don’t book an air/sea package, transfers from the airport to the ship can be purchased through the cruise line in advance. Failing that, there are plenty of taxis and shuttles to take you to the ship, and then back to the airport at the end of your cruise.

Note: Transfers are between the ship and the airport, not your home and the airport.

A big advantage of having an all inclusive package is, if your flight is delayed for any reason, the ship is more likely to wait for you to arrive, but this is by no way guaranteed. If you have booked your flights separately the ship will not wait if you have not yet arrived when it’s time to sail. Either way, arriving a day early is highly recommended.

Many people miss the ship because their flight was delayed. If this happens, you can always join the ship in the next port of call. If the ship’s first day is at sea; you will have to wait for day 3 to join.  Don’t risk it, arrive the day before your scheduled departure.

When booking your return flight, consider booking for an afternoon departure, or even staying over night before flying. It relieves you of the stress and anxiety of trying to make your flight on time. You will feel better waking up on the last morning of your cruise without having to rush.

To make the most of your cruise, read my book Cruise Ship Secrets.  It will help you with beating sea sickness, cruising with kids, saving money, what to expect onboard, what to pack, and a lot more.

Are you cruising with your significant other, alone, with friends, family, or a partner?  Either way, this will dictate the type of cruise you should be looking for.  Relaxing strolls on white sandy beaches is different from a weekend booze cruise to Mexico. 

We once shared a shuttle with a family en route to their first cruise. There were two ships leaving from the same port that day.  Considering the ages of the two children, we assumed they were going on the Disney ship, as the other ship in port was considered a ‘”Booze cruise” for spring-breaker types.  And guess what?  It was spring break and the ship was loaded down with party goers! 

Much to our surprise, the family boarded the ‘booze cruise’ and you can probably guess the rest.  This is the perfect example of not doing your home work.  Unfortunately, that family’s first time cruising was probably their last.

If you are taking your children, some cruise lines cater to children much better than others, with programs and activities specifically designed for kids.  Although nearly all ships can accommodate children; some ships rarely have children cruising and are short on amenities.  Find out in advance the general type of people cruising – families, retired, young singles etc.  This drastically changes the atmosphere of the ship and can determine how much enjoyment you and the young ones will have.

Some people discover family cruises turn out to be the best vacation they have ever had. Disney Cruises and some of the Carnival and Royal Caribbean cruises spring to mind. The largest cruise ships in the world come with a host of amazing amenities for children including: 

• A large video arcade
• Kid’s only areas
• Teen Disco’s
•  And a host of sporting facilities just to name a few.

Cruising Groups 

Groups are catered for and can be a great way to celebrate the end of year football trip, family reunion, or a business conference at sea… often at reduced  rates. 

We highly recommend using a travel agent if you are making a booking on behalf of a group.  Search online and read reviews.  Once you have found the one provide.  Or, if the cruise line has a group booking representative talk to them before booking.  When booking for a group, the chance of something going wrong increases, therefore use an experienced travel agent or the cruise line to prevent unwanted mistakes or surprises. 

To constitute a group and be eligible for group discounts there must be a minimum number of staterooms booked, and can be as low as 8 rooms, but check with your travel agent for exact details. 

In addition to cheaper cruises, groups can also take advantage of: 

• Liquor packages, 
• Special dining requests 
• Complimentary gifts and door decorations 
• A personalized cake 
•  A stateroom upgrade for the group leader 
• And other VIP activities and amenities

If you are arranging a reunion of sorts, there couldn’t be a better location than on a cruise.  Once onboard, there is something for everyone so your entire group can enjoy the combined vacation/reunion.  The ships will even help with private functions, cakes and photography.  Ask your travel agent about any ‘Reunion Packages’. 

Conference facilities on most ships include dedicated conference rooms including presentation equipment such as overhead projectors, slide projectors, TV and DVD players. Generally, the newer the ship, the better the facilities. 

Planning your perfect cruise continues with Part 3.

To make the most of your cruise, read my book Cruise Ship Secrets.  It will help you with beating sea sickness, cruising with kids, saving money, what to expect onboard, what to pack, and a lot more.

Eat a healthy breakfast every day. You need quality calories to jump-start your metabolism first thing in the morning.  Go easy on the pastries, cheese, ham, pancakes, french toast and waffles.  It smells good, but your body will spend the rest of the day trying to burning it off.  Besides, healthier food is a lot tastier these days.

Explore low fat food selections – As cruise lines become increasingly popular to the masses, they are offering alternative food choices.  You will usually find low fat options on every menu, including sugar free desserts, low fat dressings and tofu stir fry’s etc.

Pick an early dinner sitting – Eating late at night doesn’t give you enough time to burn the calories before going to bed, thus turning the unused food to fat.  Furthermore, you are less likely to feel like eating breakfast in the morning.  Eating your last meal approximately 3 hours before bed is a common rule of thumb.

Stay hydrated – The benefits of staying hydrated to make the most of your cruise include more energy, less fatigue, improved immune system, and aids weight loss, not to mention a host of other health benefits.  The rule of thumb is to drink half your body weight in ounces.  So if you weigh 130 pounds, you’ll need to drink 65 ounces of water a day, which is about 8 cups a day.

Eat small amounts of quality food regularly – This will minimize hunger cravings throughout the day, keeping you from sweet or high fat foods.

Avoid the temptation to eat at every opportunity - If you do indulge, choose smaller portions and healthy options.

Practice sampling at the desert buffet – The dessert buffet is a cruisers arch nemesis.  With so many great looking foods on offer it’s hard to stop at just one.  So if you must try them all, try eating just a few mouthfuls of each one.

Alcohol – I won’t tell you to cut alcohol, because lets face it, if you want to drink while on vacation, you will.  But if you make good choices it doesn’t have to be as bad for you as it could be.  If you want a Caribbean style cocktail don’t pick the frozen types that are full of sugar and milk.  And try to avoid beer and have wine instead.  Most ships have wine packages you can take advantage of.  To get the most value though, buy it at the start of the cruise and chose the package that suits you best.  When you do drink, also ask for water from the bar servers.  Keeping hydrated while drinking will lessen the negative effects of alcohol.

By following the above steps, it is possible to have a great cruise without feeling guilty after it.  Don’t be discouraged if you gain a little weight half way through your cruise, and then give up for the rest of your time onboard.  Just like at home a couple of big meals can have you feeling full and bloated.  Continue with your daily exercise and sensible eating, and stay on track.

To make the most of your cruise, read my book Cruise Ship Secrets.  It will help you with beating sea sickness, cruising with kids, saving money, what to expect onboard, what to pack, and a lot more.